Although many of nearly 200 area residents spoke at Wednesday night’s Public Utilities Commission hearing at Harrah’s Rincon Casino on SDG&E’s plan to turn off power during red flag high wind days, water districts made the biggest splash as they tag teamed the utility company:
“If you shut off power during potential fire disasters—pay for our power generators,” they said.
Valley Center Municipal Water District’s Gen. Mgr. Gary Arant declared, “Our ratepayers shouldn’t have to pay for reducing the liability for SDG&E!”
Representatives from the districts came to the microphone with variations on that theme: if the shut-off plan limits the utility’s liability, water districts shouldn’t bear the brunt of paying millions for generators to keep water flowing that fire agencies need during such emergencies.
Before the public comment, the PUC Commissioner Timothy Alan Simon and administrative law judge Tim Keenan gave SDG&E’s vice president of electric transmission & distribution Dave Geier were given time to once again explain the proposal.
Geier, a 30-year veteran of the company, said it has 5–6 outages a day, although the great majority of customers are not affected.
SDG&E is replacing hundreds of wooden poles with metal ones and trimming trees near existing poles to combat fires.
“This isn’t an easy step to take but we think it is our final line of defense,” he said, detailing the five triggers that will cause an outage:
• Red flag warning
• Low levels of moisture in live vegetation
• Low levels of moisture in dead vegetation
• Low humidity
• Winds of 55 mph gusts and 35 mph sustained
The weather that would trigger shutoffs would be monitored by individual stations called RAWS (Remote Automated Weather Stations).
Geier said if the policy had been in place it would have triggered ten outages in the last five years. Once or twice a year it will affect about 10,000 people.
“We like to think of this as preparedness for future emergencies,” Geier said.
SDG&E, and the Red Cross, will operate emergency operations centers during shut-offs. This was something it did not have in the 2007 fire, although the Red Cross maintained a similar center at VC High School.
The emergency operations centers will offer food, water and other services. Those with medical needs will be provided transportation to places where electricity will be available, he said.
At a similar meeting in Alpine on Tuesday, and at a workshop earlier on Wednesday, the County Dept. of Education’s Supt. Randy Ward and some area school districts opposed the plan because it will cost ADA (average daily attendance). The attorney for the water districts, Sophie Akins of Best Best and Krieger, was also at the workshop. A representative of the San Diego Air Quality Control District addressed concerns of water districts who want to avoid permitting red tape in order to use emergency generators.
Interestingly, no representatives of Cal Fire or local fire districts took part.
Geier said SDG&E will work with school districts to address their concerns.
“We feel the shutoff plan provides the last line of defense in extreme conditions,” he said. “I always come out on the side of safety.”
Water district representatives included Ralph Mcintosh, of Ramona Municipal Water District, who said he needs more time to position generators than the six hours warning SDG&E is talking about giving. They will be competing for generators, he said, needing to bring them from out of state.
“We can’t afford the cost of generators,” said McIntosh, “we must have power of some sort.”
He described the situation in 2007 when RMWD lost power and air attack planes from the Ramona Airport were delayed getting into the air.
Valley Center Municipal Water District Gen. Mgr. Gary said his district encompasses 102 square miles and has 10,000 households with 26 pump stations. It is the lead agency that sued SDG&E last fall to prevent the policy.
He said that the type of fire SDG&E hopes to prevent accounts for 3% of total fires (although statistics show those fires account for 20% of acreage burned).
“We will be out of water for our customers and out of water for firefighters. We have some back-up generators but not enough for all of our pumps to go out at once,” he said. “I’d need a fleet of generators, three to four million dollars worth of stationary generators,” he said.
If the district has to buy generators to keep water flowing, “there will be an impact on our ratepayers. SDG&E wants to save exposure and liability. But they will avoid these costs by passing them onto water districts. I fail to see the logic of raising my rates so they can avoid a cost,” he said.
Arant added that mass evacuations will take place in the dark without signal lights.
Just because the power is cut off doesn’t mean fires won’t happen, he argued. “Ninety seven percent of the fires are not caused by electrical problems. This proposal is not about SDG&E’s altruistic concerns. It is about the bottom line. They have lawsuits to the tune of $500 million and they are trying to reduce their liability.”
He reiterated the other general manager’s point that six hours notice isn’t enough to get generators online, that districts need exemptions from the Air Pollution Control District and to be reimbursed for the cost of generators.
Several VC residents spoke, among them John Yeager, a 6-year resident (and former Chamber of Commerce president,) who said he would rather put up with the occasional outage in exchange for reduced risk.
Tom Bumgardner, who co-chaired the Paradise Relief Fund after the 2003 fire, said that he supports SDG&E’s plan.
Shawneen Burdick, current Chamber president, but speaking for herself, said she serves on a Red Cross Disaster Team and is still “on the fence” about the plan. “We need to get together and find solutions,” she said.
VC resident, Kathleen Steffen said that neither the Poomacha nor Paradise fires were started by a downed electrical line. But if the power had been off during those fires, it “would have been disastrous,” she said.
“I might not have received notification in time if the electricity had been turned off,” she said. “If the power goes out doesn’t SDG&E have some magic way to put out fire without water?”
Thirty-year VC resident David Smith who owns two-acres served by a well, said the plan “does not make me feel comfortable,” and criticized what he called a “lack of cooperation” between various agencies during emergencies.
The PUC will issue a ruling on SDG&E’s plan in July or August.
You can submit comments to CPUC Public Advisor, 505 Van Ness Ave., Rm 2103, San Francisco, CA 94102.
Phase 2 of the Valley Center Road Improvement Project will pass a milestone this week as road crews prepare for the final paving of the road which is scheduled to begin sometime this week.
Four lanes of traffic are scheduled to be opened for the entire length of the project by late April or early May, weather permitting.
Meanwhile, during the week of April 6–13, while the final layer of pavement was being stalled, particularly work was done along two segments of the road project:
Segment 3: Old Road to Miller Road
• Install metal beam guard rail at Keys Creek Bridge
• Install tubular railings at Keys Creek Bridge
• Complete remaining earthwork and base paving
• Grade and install concrete curb and gutter at Lilac Road
• Continue underground utility conversions
• Place final layer of asphalt
Segment 4: Miller Road to Cole Grade Road
• Grade and base pave median and southern half of Cole Grade Road intersection
• Install concrete maintenance strip connection
• Place final layer of asphalt
For all segments the road crew will continue to maintain and install erosion control devices.
If you have questions or comments about the road project, call the hotline at 619-232-2640.
The office building at the corner of Woods Valley & Valley Center roads has been a real estate office for many years. Now it is again.
Preston Hill Properties has opened at the old location of Coldwell Banker (27302 Valley Center Road), with several agents from that brokerage.
The VC office is being managed by Garry Farmer & Sandra Rockefeller-Farmer, veteran real estate agents who have been selling properties in Valley Center together for a total of 57 years—30 years at that very corner!
They are joined by Paula Haskell, who has also been a local agent for nine years and has lived here for 30, including 18 as general manager of the Parks & Rec District. She specializes in residences, land and groves.
More agents are expected to join the office soon, bringing six total by the end of summer.
The brand new business, which has a home office in Escondido, was started by Lana Preston and Diane Hill.
It’s a buyers market, say the Farmers. “I think with the stimulus package that people can buy repos and short sales and the government is pressing the banks to get their REOs (real estate owned) properties sold,” Mrs. Farmer told The Roadrunner.
Garry Farmer added, “The important thing is the government is pressing the banks to get these properties sold.”
She added, “There’s some fabulous buys out there and not all of them have been destroyed by the previous owners! There are some very nice homes to be had!”
A house that might have cost $800–$900,000 last year might well be selling for $450,000 now, they said.
The brokerage handles homes, land, ranches, groves, commercial properties, short sales, industrial property and banked owned properties.
The VC office is open seven days a week, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Call 749-6117.
You are invited to Saturday’s Valley Center Community Plan General Plan Update Workshop, Saturday, 9 a.m.–noon in the multi-purpose room at the VC Middle School.
Valley Center residents, business and property owners are all invited to come learn about planning, and, more important to share your vision for Valley Center’s future.
The workshop will be led by San Diego County Advance Planning staff member Bob Citrano, Sandy Smith, Andy Washburn, assisted by other members of the Valley Center Planning Group’s General Plan Update Subcommittee.
This workshop will explain briefly what the VC Community Plan is, how it fits into the San Diego County General Plan, and how YOU can make a difference to the future of Valley Center.
The community plan that is being prepared now will guide development in Valley Center for the next 20 to 30 years. This update has been underway County-wide since the late 1990s.
An additional workshop will take place later this month in three different locations to discuss these topics in more detail. Residents are invited to attend the one that is most convenient. Choices are: April 23, 6–8 p.m. in the VC Library; April 30, 6–9 p.m. in the multi-purpose room at the middle school; and May 6, 7–9:30 p.m. at Lilac School.
Contact Chairman Rich Rudolf at 749-0662 for more information.
Dos Valles Garden Club’s 29th annual Flower Show and Sale will be Saturday, April 18, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and Sunday, April 19, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. at St. Stephen Church.
Admission is free.
They will sell shrubs, vines, flowers, succulents, cacti, trees, tomato plants and various other vegetables. Cut flowers and garden art will be available also.
There will be three demonstrations of methods of plant propagation (creating new plants) including division, cuttings, and “pups” from succulents at the show.
This year’s theme is “It’s Party Time!” The club will display over 60 designs, all based on the party theme—birthdays, Christmas, Halloween, Cinco de Mayo, St. Patrick’s Day, weddings, anniversaries, etc.
There will be door prizes and other drawings for prizes, including a stay at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas.
The little community of Palomar Mountain is experiencing something like a mini-crime wave this week—and the number of victims reported is escalating.
There have been reports of several break-ins, mainly along Crestline Road, which is one of the main roads where residents live.
Break-ins have occurred at the fire station, where someone broke a window to gain entrance; the community center, where someone kicked in a door, and the Palomar Mountain Lodge.
Theft has also been reported at the State Park, where the “honesty box” where people pay to enter was cracked open.
The little private school that is now operating from a private residence was also broken into and computers taken.
Palomar Mountain Mutual Water District office, which is located on Crestline next to the lodge, was also broken into and bolt cutters taken.
Joseph DiGiacinto Sr.
1924–2009
Joseph DiGiacinto Sr. led an active, fulfilling life until his death on April 5. He was a visionary and an inventor. His business ventures were many, including Kennett Square, Pennsylvania; Boynton Beach, Florida; Morgan Hill and Valley Center. The last being Survival Systems International, which he sold in 2004 when he retired.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years Lena; daughter Joanne; sons Joseph Jr. and John; and four grandchildren: Frank, Lauren, Nick and Jordan.
Mr. DiGiacinto was a world class accordion player. He and his brother Nick performed as the Jaggi Brothers and appeared in many venues on the East Coast. The last few years you could find him playing at the Accordionaires, the San Diego club, Bell’Agio Ristorante or at a party—all the while working to overcome problems caused by his failing eyesight and other physical difficulties. He continued playing his accordion locally until ten days before he died. His music was a true joy to those he entertained throughout the years.
Mr. DiGiacinto was the kind of person who had many ideas and projects occupying his life, two of them constant: work and playing the accordion. There were few times in his life when he didn’t have both a day and a night job. The night job was always the same—playing the accordion at clubs, restaurants and other venues.
Listening to him play made you aware Mr. DiGiacinto was a great musician who gave a seemingly effortless performance. One song after another, completely from memory, with each being played in at least two keys, often three, with transposing taking place as naturally as breathing. He had a great understanding of harmony. His fingers owned all 41 of the keyboard notes and he played and played and played because he loved it. The love affair with the accordion began with his first lesson in 1934, which led to 75 years of playing the accordion.
Mr. DiGiacinto’s first lessons were taken along with his brother, Nick, from a local teacher named Anthony Monde. Their dad was responsible for his boys learning the accordion. He demanded that they practice diligently—one hour before school and two hours a day after school and chores. They earned a winning stint on the Chance of a Lifetime talent show, hosted by Dennis James, and on Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts.
In 1946 Mr. DiGiacinto married his school sweetheart, Lena. Yes, he played the accordion for 75 years and was married to the same woman for 62 years—when he found something he liked, he stuck to it!
In 1969 Mr. DiGiacinto moved his family from Pennsylvania to California. Over his lifetime he has built and sold multiple businesses from scratch as a farmer, builder and manufacturer. He was often heard saying, “I did all that, but I still have to practice the accordion. Use it or lose it!” And “use it” he did for the enjoyment of all who were fortunate enough to hear him.
His generosity to his family and friends was unsurpassed. He will be dearly missed.
McLeod Mortuary is handling the arrangements. No services are planned.
By DAVID ROSS
Let’s get past one thing first before we go further: I don’t believe, and you don’t believe, and we’d probably have to travel many miles before we could find anyone who believes, that San Diego Gas & Electric Co. does anything simply for the benefit of its customers or for any other reason than to make money.
That’s not a bad thing—it’s just the facts. It is a public utility that will do what’s right (whatever that is!) when a gun is pointed at its corporate temple and not before.
So, when SDG&E says that its plan to shut down electricity on red flag days of low humidity and high winds “is to prevent fires,” or “to promote safety” just tack this clause, “and to save us money” and you’ll have it just about right.
The utility is embroiled in half a billion dollars worth of lawsuits from fire victims who blame some wildfires on power poles and lines failing. Obviously lines that fail can cause fires, but whether that is due to negligence is another matter. However, to try to inoculate itself against further lawsuits SDG&E is proposing a “shut-off” policy where it would turn off power to selected areas when it gets windy enough and dry enough.
Local water districts (including our own) are crying foul since if the power is off they can’t keep water running to firefighters. The only way they could do that is with independent power generators. SDG&E’s answer is that the districts should buy the generators at their own cost—although the shutoffs will greatly limit the utility’s liability.
The water districts say SDG&E should provide the money for the generators.
The water districts have a very good point, but a better solution would be for SDG&E to maintain a fleet of generators that it can move to water districts threatened by shutoffs.
Cal Fire moves assets to areas that are likely to be fire hazards several days in advance once they get the word from the weather department. Why can’t SDG&E do that with power generators?
The Valley Roadrunner
P.O.B. 1529, Valley Center, CA 92082
Tel. 760.749.1112 Fax 760.749.1688
Website: www.valleycenter.com
Email: editor@valleycenter.com
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